Fortifying strategic relations, India US 2+2 dialogue focuses on counter terrorism, Afghanistan and security
Washington, December 19: Discussing the growing strategic relation between world’s largest democracy and world’s powerful democracies, Indian and United States (US) in its 2+2 dialogue focussed on various details of mutual interest fortifying relations. The two countries also signed an agreement for the transfer of technology during the '2+2' Ministerial Dialogue in Washington DC attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Other than terrorism, peace in Afghanistan and security in the Indo-Pacific, the two sides also discussed Pakistan.
Speaking at the 2nd India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue joint statement, Michael Pompeo, the US Secretary of State asserted that the two countries have had a productive and lively exchange on significant regional challenges. He added saying that US value India's perspectives on security in Indo-Pacific and all around the world. He also added that the future of Afghanistan is matter of concern for both the nations and US appreciates India’s contribution in Afghanistan.
During the joint statement, Defence Minister Rajnath said India shared its security assessments of the situation in its neighbourhood and particularly in Pakistan. “During the meeting (2+2 dialogue) we shared our assessments of situations in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and the Indian Ocean region. We conveyed that rhetoric statements and incitements to anti-India violence by Pakistani leaders are not conducive to peace,” he added.
S Jaishankar thanked his American counterpart for support in Chabahar project. “Our counter-terrorism efforts were also discussed at today's meeting (2+2 dialogue) and these have been boosted by growing consensus on the nature of terror threats in the region and the dangers of cross border terrorism”. “I am very grateful to Secretary Pompeo for reiterating the US government's support to the Chabahar project which will immensely benefit Afghanistan,” he added.
US Defence Secretary Mark Esper while speaking at 2nd India-US '2+2' Ministerial Dialogue in Washington DC said “Our defence relation is strong and since the establishment of 2+2 Ministerial last year, it continues to improve. As democracies, the US and India have an abiding interest in advancing free and prosperous Indo-pacific”. He added, “Our close bilateral ties are critical to the success of that mission. I am pleased to report that we continue to make substantial progress in our military relationship.”
Speaking on the recently enacted Citizenship Act in India, Pompeo said, “We care deeply and always will about protecting minorities, protecting religious rights everywhere”. “We honour Indian democracy as they have a robust debate in India on the issue. The United States will be consistent in its response to the issue, not only in India but across the world,” he added.
Pompeo also spoke on US-India security partnership strengthening from '2+2' dialogue and discussion on regional stability, particularly taking out terror from Pakistan that targets India-Afghanistan. “We have been unambiguous in our partnership with Indian govt about terror from wherever it emanates, whether from inside Pakistan or any places. We are determined to protect the American people from the threat of terrorism and determine to work with great democratic fronts like India to protect the people of India as well,” the US Secretary of State said.
Esper spoke about trade and ties between the two nations. “Our defence trade & technology ties continue to grow. Today we're proud to conclude Industrial Security Annex (ISA) which will facilitate collaboration between our defence industries by supporting the secure transfer of key information and technologies,” he said. “We also finalised have three agreements under the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative which will enhance the ability to co-produce and co-develop critical technologies,” he added.